This interesting video from PhotoGavin will show you how to create HDR effect from single RAW photos. As you may know, D3100 doesnt have exposure bracketing function so it’s kinda tricky to create a HDR photo. HDR photo usually consists of 3 photos with different exposure level and with D3100 , you’ll have to manually adjust exposure for those photos.
But here’s another popular method : create HDR photo from single RAW file. Just take one RAW photo and process it using your favorite image editing software ( eg : photoshop )
Easier way to create HDR photos ? check this software : Photomatix Pro
For beginner , i recommend book Practical HDR from David Nightingale
One of disadvantage of having Nikon D3100 is that it doesnt have exposure bracketing controls (Automatic Exposure Bracketing or AEB) . Exposure bracketing is prove useful in challenging lighting situations eg: wide contrast range. It ‘s a pity Nikon dont put that simple control in their latest entry-level DSLRs . I dont know , maybe it’s one of their marketing tactics.
With AEB enabled , when we press the shutter button the camera will take at least three consecutive images with different exposure level. By having these images we can easily pick an image that properly exposed or pick one that you really like. Or you can merge those images into one image that has larger dynamic range than a normal photo. The merging technique is also known as High Dynamic Range ( HDR )
